“I’m happy that DOT has seen the significance of these two projects,” Green said in a released statement. “These projects will not only stimulate job creation, but they will improve our local transportation infrastructure by providing for affordable mass transit and easing congestion on our highways.”

Metro officials said the grant money reimburses the agency for work already done and that they had not yet been officially notified by the FTA. But they greeted the news as a good sign.

“My interpretation is it’s further evidence that we’re on the right path” with respect to following procurement rules “as well as rebuilding our relationship with the FTA,” said Metro board Chairman Gilbert Garcia.